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Definition of emphasis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

        

    emphasis

     noun
    noun
    NAmE//ˈɛmfəsəs//
     
    (pl. emphases
    NAmE//ˈɛmfəsiz//
     
    )     [uncountable, countable]
     
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  1. 1special importance that is given to something synonym stress emphasis (on/upon something) The emphasis is very much on learning the spoken language. to put/lay/place emphasis on something Increased emphasis is now being placed on corporate image. We provide all types of information, with an emphasis on legal advice. There has been a shift of emphasis from manufacturing to service industries. The course has a vocational emphasis. The examples we will look at have quite different emphases.
  2. 2the extra force given to a word or phrase when spoken, especially in order to show that it is important; a way of writing a word (for example drawing a line underneath it) to show that it is important synonym stress “I can assure you,” she added with emphasis, “the figures are correct.”
    3. Language Bankemphasishighlighting an important point
    • This case emphasizes/highlights the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
    • Effective communication skills are essential/crucial/vital.
    • It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
    • It is important to remember that/An important point to remember is that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
    • Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, how effectively you listen.
    • I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
    • Choose your words carefully:in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
    • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
     AWL Collocationsemphasisemphasis nounspecial importance or attention that is given to something
    • considerable, great, heavy, strong
    • particular, special
    • renewed
    • increased
    There is a strong emphasis on math and science at the school. The scientific career of Descartes, with special emphasis on his physics, is presented in Shea (1991).
    • place, put, lay
    The new information-based economy placed greater emphasis on new technical knowledge.
    • shift
    By 1915, the emphasis shifted from farming to ranching.emphasize verb
    • strongly, rightly
    • consistently
    • continually, repeatedly
    He consistently emphasizes this theme throughout his work.
    • be important to, seem to, serve to, tend to
    It is important to emphasize the differences between this and the preceding analysis.
    • the importance of something, a/the need for something
    Aristotle frequently emphasizes the importance of pleasure to human life. The work concludes by emphasizing a need for further research.
See emphasis in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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